I am an 18-year-old student currently preparing for my exams. My father has consistently failed to fulfil his responsibilities in supporting the family financially and emotionally. He does not provide for my essential educational needs despite being legally responsible. This has directly affected my ability to focus on my studies and threatens my future academic goals. As a responsible child at the age of 16 I started to earn money online, but every time I earned money he used it to cover his loans and electricity bills. With a lot of effort, networking and hard work, I managed to sign a contract for 2.7 lac that would cover my studies. This was a video editing job that I was willing to do. I thought that if he would invest it in renovating the house then we can sell it and he can go outside like we had planned and get a better job. But instead he spent only 50k on basic things in the house and the rest was burnt on loans and bills which were nothing more than a result of his mismanagement and his habit wasting money.
ANSWER:
Thank you for reaching out and sharing the details of your situation. We understand the emotional and financial distress you are facing, and we are here to offer proper legal guidance.
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Since you have now attained the age of 18, you are no longer legally entitled to claim maintenance (monthly financial support) from your father under the prevailing family laws of Pakistan, as maintenance is generally awarded only to children under 18 years of age.
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However, if you have younger siblings who are under the age of 18, their mother (your mother) can file a suit for maintenance on their behalf in the Family Court. The court can order the father to bear the reasonable expenses related to the children’s education, healthcare, food, and general wellbeing.
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Regarding your father’s abusive or exploitative behavior, particularly if it includes emotional abuse, financial exploitation, or coercive control, you (or your mother) may file a formal complaint before the local police station or approach the District Women Protection Cell. The law offers protection against mental cruelty and financial abuse within the family setting.
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If your earnings were misappropriated by your father without consent, this may also be treated as a form of economic abuse or financial coercion. Your mother may consider taking appropriate legal action to protect your rights and secure your future.
Should you decide to pursue legal action, Pak-Lawyer Associates is fully equipped to assist you with:
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Filing a maintenance suit in the Family Court for underage siblings
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Drafting and filing police complaints regarding abuse or exploitation
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Offering comprehensive legal advice and representation
Please feel free to contact us for further consultation.
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